See below for a pen portrait to tell you a little about our Governors.  We are often at the school gate or school events (eg parent evenings or open days). If we are wearing our white Governor lanyard - please do speak with us - we love to hear feedback about our school.

     Andrea Griffiths - Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

I joined the Governing Board of Sissinghurst Primary School in November 2024, having moved to Sissinghurst in 2023 to be closer to my daughter and grandchildren, who live in nearby Staplehurst.

I am passionate about ensuring that every child has the best possible start in their early years and is given the opportunity to thrive, achieve their potential and enjoy a fulfilling educational experience. I believe that children learn best when they feel happy, supported and valued, and that their school years should be a positive time filled with learning, friendship and fun.

During my career in IT, I worked in strategic roles with responsibility for the resilience, reliability and continuity of critical systems.  This has given me valuable experience in strategic planning, risk management, governance and ensuring organisations are well prepared to meet challenges.  I am pleased to bring this experience to my role as a Governor and to support the school in providing a safe, resilient and effective environment in which children and staff can flourish.

 

      Peter Denyer - Vice Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

I have been involved with Sissinghurst Primary School for many years, first through the FOSS committee and, since 2016, as a Foundation Governor. All three of my children have been through the school, from start to finish with my youngest now in his final year. They have each benefitted enormously from the teaching, care and values of the school, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give something back through my role on the governing board.

Professionally, I have a background in finance, data and organisational leadership. I bring this strategic and analytical experience to my work as a governor, with a particular focus on budgeting, financial oversight and ensuring that the school’s resources are used effectively to support the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

     Poppy Edmunds - Parent Governor

I became a parent governor at Sissinghurst in July 2024 and have two children currently at the school. I work for a large publishing house and have had the opportunity to work closely with children’s publishers, as well as organisations such as the BookTrust, to gain a strong insight into the indisputable benefits of reading and literacy to children.  I hope that I can bring some of this knowledge and enthusiasm to my role as a governor. 

    Charlie Tweddle - Parent Governor

Hi everyone — I’m Charlie Tweddle, and I’m really pleased to have joined the Governing Board of Sissinghurst VA Primary School in December 2025.

Both of my girls have attended or are attending Sissinghurst school as we have been living nearby for over 15 years now. Being able to help with the governance of the school is very important as it gives me the opportunity to give back to a very special learning environment.

Having over 25 years’ experience in the Education sector in operational, commercial and leadership roles I believe I have much to share with the Governing body and school leadership to help take the school from good to excellent.

       Zoe Murton - Foundation Governor

As a keen member of Trinity Church in Sissinghurst, I was delighted to become a Foundation Governor at Sissinghurst Primary in November 2025.

I’ve lived just outside Sissinghurst since 2019, when my family returned from an overseas posting in DR Congo. I have two children at the school, who keep me busy! I also run two local toddler groups (Trinity Tots in Sissinghurst and Little Lambs in Frittenden), and help lead the Sunday School at Trinity and St Mary’s churches.

After completing a PGCE in 2004, I worked in secondary schools for a number of years as a careers adviser. I then moved into charity communications, and currently work as a freelance editor. I’ve also trained as a counsellor, and am passionate about ensuring each child at Sissinghurst Primary is given a loving, supportive environment where they can truly ‘let their light shine’.

  

         Elaine Highwood - Foundation Governor

I am a dedicated education professional with over 20 years of experience across the sector, bringing a deep and sustained commitment to learning, teaching, and continuous improvement. Passionate about education, I am particularly interested in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and ensuring high-quality provision for all learners.  Motivated by a strong sense of community, responsibility and the desire to give back, alongside a genuine enjoyment of ongoing professional development and the opportunity to continually expand knowledge and skills,  I was delighted to be asked to be a Governor of Sissinghurst primary school. It's a role I particularly enjoy and it's wonderful to be part of the school's journey.

 

        Edward Westlake - Foundation Governor

I joined the Governing Board of Sissinghurst Primary School in June 2026. I moved to Sissinghurst with my wife and two young children in September 2024, and my daughter started in Lions the following year. I am delighted to be able to contribute to the education of children attending the school, to ensure that they receive the best start possible in their early years.

My professional background is within operations management and business transformation within the legal and professional services sectors. I am also a qualified Chartered Surveyor and am looking forward to offering my skills and experience as part of my role as a Foundation Governor.

 

Photo and info to come - Amy Osborne - LA Governor

 

          Alice Kidd - Staff Governor

I joined Sissinghurst Primary in September 2024 and am currently the Year 2 teacher, as well as the lead for PE and History. I have worked in education for 11 years across both the independent and state sectors, in both primary and secondary schools. I began my career as a Teaching Assistant before completing my PGCE and gaining QTS.

I have a particular passion for PE and sport, having been an East Surrey gymnastics champion when I was younger. I believe strongly in giving children opportunities to discover their interests, build confidence and develop beyond the classroom.

As both of my children have attended Sissinghurst, I have a connection to the school as both a member of staff and a parent. I am excited to take on the role of Staff Governor, bringing a teacher's perspective and providing a voice for staff, while gaining a greater understanding of the wider strategic work and continued development of the school.

 

      Sharmila Desai - In attendance at meetings

I have been Deputy Headteacher at Sissinghurst since September 2022. With extensive experience in education, I am passionate about the transformational power of teaching and learning, and remain, at heart, a teacher first and foremost. I am committed to ensuring every child thrives - academically, socially, and emotionally - so that each is supported to “let their light shine.” It is a privilege to work alongside both pupils and staff, supporting them to reach their full potential.

 

     Sarah Holman - Ex Officio Governor -  Headteacher

I have been Headteacher at Sissinghurst since April 2023 and in that time we have seen a period of rapid improvement as a school in all areas. I have over twenty years experience in leading schools of different sizes and enjoy seeing a transformation plan come into full effect!  I am a teacher at heart and always hold this dear to me, considering the children and how to let their light shine in every decision made at school.